Lately I have been saddened about many things going on in this world we call our home. The natural disasters that have taken place in Houston, Puerto Rico, Florida and surrounding areas last month have been heartbreaking. That, along with the horrendous act of evil that took place in Las Vegas killing over 50 people has made me stop, think, regroup, and reevaluate my purpose in life.

My sole purpose in life is to serve God. Everything I do needs to be glorifying His name and lifting His kingdom up! What does this mean? How can I be better for Him? What needs to change in my life so I can be more aligned with God’s plan?

I remember many years ago, in my pre-teen years I was asked what is your long-term goal in life? My answer was to get to Heaven.
Heaven. How do I get there? What do I need to do?

KJV Mark 8
35 “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”
Wow. This is deep. There are some scriptures in the bible that no matter how often I read them I’m still left speechless for a minute. This is one of those scriptures. The cost of eternity is losing my life here on earth. “But, I want to have fun” “I want to live freely”–these are two things I have heard people say. My response is simple, I want that for you and me too. So let’s have fun and live freely while putting our master first!
36 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
37 “Or what shall a man give exchange for his soul?”
This world has nothing to offer any of us long term. Nothing is worth losing your soul! I have recently started drilling these verses in my head. I think these are great scriptures to look at every morning because during the everyday hustle and bustle life gets real. People irritate you, you get overlooked on promotions, your kids don’t listen, your spouse upsets you, etc. The devil is busy! Busy trying to keep people away from what really matters–which is God! If you want something long term, something forever seek eternal life. I’m not saying do not have goals or plans for yourself right now in our world as we know it. What I am saying is always put God, his kingdom and your salvation first!

This world we live in has a way of making Christians uncomfortable. Television, people, and social media forums are constantly saturating our minds with lifestyles and practices that are against God’s will. Last week when I was at the library with my children I saw two books displayed that brought me to tears. One being on a girl and her two daddies, and the other one being a book on going transgender. The fact that it was displayed in the children’s section of the library broke a piece of my heart. The public services that are rendered in the community reflect the value of its citizens. With that being said, seeing books like this on the shelf in public libraries makes me more aware of how far we have gotten away from God’s truth. We are living in a world that continually is trying to force us to accept things that are against God’s will. A world that continues to desensitize murder, drugs, and non marital sex through all social forums. Stand firmly in your beliefs, and if you don’t know what you believe open up your bible and start reading God’s word (which will tell you what is right and wrong in His eyes)!

Since many people who don’t know me personally might read this I feel the need to say that I love you. Yes, I love you. I love you no matter what you are or aren’t doing in your life right now. I love you in spite of the decisions you make. I am not judging you. I’m sharing my beliefs. I am a Christian. I am a member at Piedmont Church of Christ. I love the Lord. I sin daily. I have done many things I am not proud of. I am no where near perfect. I am striving to be more like Christ. I love the Lord and I will continue to put him first.

Let us all remember that we are all different. This shouldn’t stop us from loving one another. You can disagree with someone and still want the best for them. Love you all.